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UCM Foundation Awards FY15 Opportunity Grants to Faculty, Staff

Contact: Dalene AbnerWARRENSBURG, Mo. (May 7, 2014) — Fifteen projects that range from nanoparticle research and wireless camera sensoring to an ethics game, solar electric vehicle and earth stories art exhibition will receive funding in fiscal year 2015 through the University of Central Missouri Foundation Opportunity Grants Program, according to an announcement May 3 by the UCM Foundation Board of Directors.

“We’re excited that the Foundation Board of Directors approved funding for 15 of the projects submitted in our second year of offering these grants to our faculty and staff," said Jason Drummond, vice president for alumni relations and development and executive director of the Foundation. “Last year, the programs funded by Opportunity Grants impacted some 28,374 people. We believe the projects funded this year will have a significant influence on learning opportunities for our students."

The Opportunity Grant program was created to support targeted, student-centered activities of UCM faculty and staff resulting in significant outcomes that benefit the university's learning environment. Grants, which start at $100 and range to an individual maximum of $5,000, are funded based on the fiscal year, July 1 through June 30.

Recipients and projects for FY15 are:

Christian Cutler, director of the UCM Gallery of Art and Design, for earth stories art exhibition

Chen Zhou, assistant professor of chemistry, to purchase equipment needed in his research on luminescent gold nanoparticles for copper ion detection

The UCM Foundation is the official fundraising arm of the University of Central Missouri. Established in 1979, the foundation procures, maintains and administers philanthropic gifts that advance the university's mission and help students attain their college goals. In keeping with that mission, the UCM Foundation established the Opportunity Grant Program in support of faculty and staff who have ideas but insufficient funding for entrepreneurial projects that strengthen the university's learning environment and students' academic experience.